Art in the Park returns to downtown Hartville June 6

In just a few weeks, Historic Downtown Hartville will transform into an art studio of sorts when the third annual Art in the Park event is held.

Art in the Park brings creativity, music, art, makers and crafters together for a variety of activities for residents and visitors to participate in and enjoy.

The event began three years ago as a way to celebrate the new mural in downtown Hartville, which was recently included in the Murals Across Ohio project as part of the U.S. 250 Years celebration. The second year, the event returned because of the tremendous response and attendance from the first year.

Because of continued attendance and positive feedback from visitors, the event has now become an annual gathering. This year, Art in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Historic Downtown Hartville. Parking will be available at Lake Elementary School and other downtown lots designated the day of the event.

There are plenty of activities planned throughout the day, including the official dedication of the Heritage Gateway, located in the town square.

Megan Wise of Discover Hartville and co-owner of Best Bib and Tucker, a consignment and handmade market in downtown Hartville, said the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce is excited to continue growing the event.

“Lake Township Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring local talent and creativity together with the community while giving everyone another opportunity to explore Downtown Hartville,” Wise said. “In addition to the arts, last year we celebrated the groundbreaking for the Heritage Gateway, and this year we will celebrate its official dedication.”

Jennifer O’Dell, owner of Black Diamond Vintage, located across the street from the Heritage Gateway, said she is looking forward to both the dedication and the arts event.

“I’ve spent years attending downtown events as a customer, but it’s a whole different experience being part of the excitement as a shop owner,” O’Dell said. “I’ve had a front-row seat to the finalization of the Heritage Gateway project right outside my window. It’s such an exciting reason to invite people to the neighborhood to walk around the shops, enjoy the music and art, and stay for lunch. It’s going to be a great day downtown!”

Local artists, makers and craft artisans, musical performers and culinary vendors will be on hand throughout the day to celebrate arts and culture in the community.

“The day will culminate in a dedication ceremony for the newly built Heritage Gateway, the vibrant new public space featuring a stunning steel pavilion with an iconic piece of public art at its heart and beautifully arranged engraved pavers that show the support of hundreds of community members,” project manager Michelle Cutler said. “The goal has always been to create a lasting landmark that celebrates Hartville’s heritage while enhancing the experience of residents and visitors alike. We’re grateful for the community’s support and proud of the story this gateway offers.”

The Heritage Gateway dedication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. adjacent to Workman’s Auto Parts and Hartville Elevator Co. Organizers encourage those who purchased commemorative bricks to attend, locate their engraved pavers and take photos.

Art in the Park also will feature a local artist gallery with displays of glass, paintings, ceramics and more. Visitors can enjoy live music and interactive art demonstrations throughout the day, and local food trucks will be parked around the downtown area offering snacks and lunch options.

Additional activities include a kids flower art project with Art from the Hart, Learn Mahjong sessions with Tracy Dawn Brewer of Brewtifully Art Studio and visits from the Stark Library Bookmobile.

Heather Manko will lead the children’s flower art activity in the park. Manko owns Art from the Hart in downtown Hartville and earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from Malone University. After teaching elementary art at Massillon City Schools for 11 years, she opened her studio in 2023.

Visitors also can meet local artist Tracy Dawn Brewer of Brewtifully Art Studio in Plain Township’s Oakwood Square. Brewer will host a free community Mahjong play session alongside teacher Melinda Crown while showcasing her creative Mahjong board designs. Organizers said players of all skill levels are invited to participate.

Providing live music throughout the event will be Triple Play Band, which has become well-known in the local music and winery scene. The group performs acoustic-driven music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including songs by The Beatles, Eagles, Neil Young, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.

For more information about Art in the Park, visit discoverhartville.com/artinthepark or the event’s Facebook page.